TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate’s budget committee is pushing to withhold $4 million from Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration until state agencies prove they have eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and staff, as well as put an end to using gender-affirming pronouns in employee emails. This move comes as the committee works on amending the budget plan put forth by the House.
Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, has questioned the Senate committee’s approach to DEI, wondering if all positions and programs are being eliminated. Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican, stated that the Senate wants to ensure that state agencies are not simply renaming DEI positions without making substantial changes.
Additionally, the Senate’s amendments to the budget bill include provisions such as an allocation of $21 million for several universities, a feasibility study for a dental school at Fort Hays State University, and bonding for building projects at Kansas State University and the University of Kansas.
Furthermore, the Senate also added funding for projects at Wichita State University, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, among others. Despite these additions, the Senate also removed funding for the renaming of a state office building and a homeless shelter renovation project, while adding funding for a pregnancy awareness program and a child care pilot program.
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